Hamilton’s mayor has issued communications to local establishments, advising them to stay alert regarding an anti-immigration faction publicizing a gathering in the vicinity. Andrea Horwath emphasized the importance for venues to have a clear understanding of the organization and event purpose before deciding to host it. She expressed pride in leading a diverse city and highlighted concerns about the Dominion Society of Canada, the group behind an upcoming event named DomCon 2026, which advocates for “remigration,” or the deportation of immigrants to their countries of origin. Horwath stressed the significance of upholding values such as inclusion, respect, and fostering a sense of belonging for everyone in Hamilton.
Several Hamilton groups, including the Hamilton Anti-Racism Resource Centre (HARRC) and Hamilton Centre for Civic Inclusion, jointly penned an open letter on August 4, urging businesses and institutions not to rent out space to the Dominion Society. They urged elected officials to condemn the group and requested them to ensure their policies and statements do not contribute to the targeting of immigrants and racialized communities, which has been on the rise in Hamilton. As part of their efforts, HARRC also released a guide offering tips to help venues avoid inadvertently renting to hate-promoting groups.
In a recent interview with CBC Hamilton, HARRC director Lyndon George referenced instances where extremist groups identified by the RCMP, such as Diagolon and Second Sons, secured space at community halls and gyms, unbeknownst to the owners of these venues. These incidents underscore the need for vigilance in vetting potential renters.
The Dominion Society of Canada, described as a self-proclaimed nationalist group, endorses the great replacement conspiracy theory, alleging that white individuals are being replaced by racialized individuals. Their platform criticizes mass immigration, claiming it leads to societal chaos, and advocates for the mass deportation of various groups, including temporary foreign workers and individuals born in Canada to non-Canadian citizens.
Barbara Perry, the director of the Centre on Hate, Bias, and Extremism at Ontario Tech University, characterized the arguments put forth by the Dominion Society as inherently racist and xenophobic, as they attribute the nation’s issues to immigrants. Horwath’s correspondence highlights the Canadian Anti-Hate Network’s identification of the Dominion Society as part of a growing white-nationalist movement in the country.
The Dominion Society has refuted claims of being a hate group, asserting that they are an advocacy organization focused on immigration reform and the preservation of Canadian heritage and identity. The group has opted to keep the location of their event confidential to safeguard their members from potential dissent.
Horwath clarified that she is not compelling venues to act against their policies but believes they should be aware of the Dominion Society’s stated goals and the nature of their event before considering any bookings associated with the organization. The exact number of businesses that received the mayor’s letter remains undisclosed, although Horwath mentioned contacting local venues that might be potential hosts for the advertised event.
Hamilton police are formulating a strategy to address any risks, disruptions, or criminal activities linked to DomCon 2026. They acknowledge the concerns within the community arising from the event promotion, particularly among those feeling targeted by hateful or extremist rhetoric. The police pledge to maintain a visible presence and take lawful enforcement actions where necessary. Community members are encouraged to report any threats, harassment, or hate-motivated incidents, with resources like HARRC’s community-run tool available for such reporting.